Rackett turn it up to 11 as inaugural Rockin’ The Puburbs winners

Sydney four piece all-female experimental power-punk band Rackett were the winners of the inaugural $15,000 Rockin’ the Puburbs prize package.

“It’s a real confidence booster,” the band’s singer and rhythm guitarist Bec Callander told TMN in a rushed interview before sound check. 

“When we first got together, we wanted to achieve things – to make our first EP, which we did, and to curate and create a worldwide show, and a win like this definitely helps.”

Callender, Kat Ayala (lead guitar), Ally Gavin (bass), and Astrid Holz (drums) only formed four months ago, showing a lot of sass and front.

How did the audience react at their first show? 

“With their mouths open! We played loud and loose.”

They went on to release three singles from their debut EP Ready Or Not.

400 bands entered Rockin’ the Puburbs, an initiative by the NSW chapter of the Australian Hotels Association with APRA AMCOS and the Live Music Office. 

It’s CEO John Whelan said, “Many national and international music acts first got their start down at their local pub, and the goal of Rockin’ the Puburbs was to find top local talent and give them a leg-up.

“Rackett (were) chosen by our judges because they are everything a pub band should be – they are full of energy, fun and extremely talented. “ 

The band’s win includes nine gigs at hotels across NSW over the next 12 months, a dedicated tour publicist, mentoring from music biz pros including APRA AMCOS ambassador Diesel and the chance to play before the 1200 guests at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence in Sydney on Tuesday November 21.